Sunday, May 20, 2012

AFC Cup Last 16 - Chonburi v Al Zarwa'a Preview

AFC Cup - Last 16
(Tuesday)
Chonburi v Al Zarwa'a Sport Club

The one-off tie in last 16 of the AFC Cup pits Chonburi with Al Zarwa'a Sport Club of Iraq. Chonburi's opponents qualified for the last 16 after finishing second in Group E. They won four games and lost two with both defeats coming on their travels.
Little is known of Al Zarwa'a in this part of Asia. After browsing Wikipedia, I can tell you that they are based in the western half of Baghdad and that historically they are one of the most renowned clubs in Iraqi football. The Winged Horses won the Iraqi Premier League in 2011 although this season they haven't fared particularly well and are currently languishing in 8th place some 17 points behind the league leaders.
The back 4 of Chonburi have yet to concede a goal at home in the AFC Cup and the Sharks will start this game as favorites. If they were to lose this tie, it would be a bitter pill to swallow after Chonburi negotiated their group stage with considerable ease.